Unleash the Power of Your Entrepreneurial Network
Claudette Rowley
Copyright 2002

Successful entrepreneurs rely on a "can-do" attitude and
masterful networking to forge new ground, follow their visions
and make them real. Combining strong initiative with a network of
colleagues, mentors and experts, they capitalize on human
resources to build their business and bring their vision to life.

If you unleashed the full power of your network, how would your
business multiply?

Top Five Benefits of Activating Your Network:

- Resource Mobilization.  Ask for what you want and need to move
  your business forward.  Use the question "Who do you know who?"
  to reap the benefits of financial, business, or emotional
  assistance. By forming a specific request, you build trust and
  credibility.  If you aren't sure what you need, request a
  brainstorming session with a trusted colleague to open up an
  avenue to clarity.

- If You Don't Ask, The Answer Is Always No.  At a conference I
  attended, a film maker shared her experience making a
  documentary about women heads of state - presidents and prime
  ministers. An audience member asked her how she approached
  these leaders. Her response: "If I didn't ask, the answer was
  always no."

- Watch "No" Turn Into "Yes."  Recognize that "no" doesn't always
  mean "no".  When you make a request of a colleague, mentor or
  expert, you've planted a seed in that person's mind.  Don't be
  surprised when he or she approaches you and says, for example,
  "I don't have time to review your business plan right now, but
  I CAN hook you up with someone who's a crackerjack at it …"
  By and large, people enjoy helping others; it allows them to
  participate in your entrepreneurial vision.

- What Goes Around Comes Around.  Successful networking means
  giving and receiving. The most successful networkers know how
  to ask for what they need, whether it's in the form of a
  business referral, financial advice or an introduction to a
  potential client. Get comfortable receiving assistance.  Think
  of it this way: When you receive, you extend to others the
  opportunity to give.

- Givers Gain. How can you build your network further by
  assisting a colleague or an aspiring entrepreneur?  Who can you
  mentor or advise?  Who can you refer business to?  Through the
  act of giving, you cultivate partners to support your vision,
  and further activate the "what goes around, comes around"
  principle.

As an entrepreneur, you are the captain of your ship. But as any
successful leader knows, it takes all hands on deck to secure a
successful voyage.  You can do it alone, but not as well and not
as easily. Ease and excellence go hand in hand.  Activate and
build your network to harness your full entrepreneurial
potential.

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Claudette Rowley, Coach and Author
Helps entrepreneurs harness their potential and soar to new heights
Co-author ~ A Guide To Getting It: A Clear, Compelling Vision
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